Rail commuters offered free book

People travelling from Darlington station can get on board a reading scheme by picking up a free BOOK.

Passengers buying return tickets will be offered a copy of The Railway Children to read on their journey and give back on their return home.

The books are distributed as part of the One Book for Darlington scheme.

Edith Nesbitt's classic novel was selected because it fits in well with both the school curriculum and the town's railway heritage.

The station has joined forces with the library, with GNER staff handing out the books.

Councillor Lee Vasey, cabinet member for leisure services, said: "This is another way of making sure as many people as possible get to read the book - and what better way to get into this novel than during a train journey?

"Encouraging train passengers to read a copy and then return it for future travellers to borrow, is an excellent way of keeping the cycle going, more people will be talking about the book and reading it."